Minister Damien English has officially opened the new premises of Bunowen Bakery in Ballinasloe, after the cake specialist moved from a small retail unit in the village of Ahascragh.
The bakery was established in 2017 by Danny Cavan, who had worked as a baker in Northern Ireland for over 40 years, and his son Andy Cavan.
Seamus Concannon joined the business in 2018 and distribution was expanded under the Bunowen Bakery brand, named after the river that flows through the village of Ahascragh.
The river originally powered the wheel of the old mill in the village, which is now part of the renovation at Ahascragh Distillery.
The purpose-built premises in Derrymullen, Ballinasloe, was developed with assistance from Galway Rural Development, which provided funding of €120,000 to purchase new equipment. The bakery employs 12 people and works with distributors across 13 counties.
In Association with
Bunowen Bakery bakes a wide range of cakes, sponges and tarts, as well as buns, brack and baps.
Minister English stated: “The growth and expansion of Bunowen Bakery is a wonderful example of how businesses across the country can grow new markets and create new job opportunities from their local community.
“I am especially encouraged to see this young business expand from their traditional family roots with Andy’s father, Danny Cavan, providing much experience, inspiration and of course his delicious recipes.
“As well as encouraging everyone to sample the tasty treats on offer from Bunowen Bakery, I also encourage anyone interested on starting a business to seek out assistance from the Local Enterprise Office who play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs and the local business community.
Andy Cavan commented: “As a chef I love going to work each day and working with an excellent team here in Ahascragh and Derrymullen from bakers to drivers.
“We are so fortunate so have access to so many local providers of fresh and premium local produce and all the ingredients used in our baking are sourced locally, from eggs, to milk, to flour, printing and packing and more.
“We grew from a team of three people to currently 12 staff and we plan to have 20 people as part of the Bunowen Bakery team by the end of 2023. Our success is very much down to our excellent loyal staff and business consultant Frank Cadam who has also been a great addition to our team.
“Ballinasloe is a fantastic location with such easy access to the motorway. We are currently recruiting staff so please do send us on CVs for baker, finisher and bakery assistant.”
General manager Seamus Concannon stated: “I would like to thank all of our business partners, suppliers and distributors for their support through the years and I look forward to working with new partners as we expand our sales.
“It is a challenging time for small businesses and government supports are crucial to help manage rising energy costs. I would also like to thank our customers who buy our breads, cakes and pastries and who are supporting a business in the West.”
Photo (l-r) Seamus Geraghty, Baker, Andy Cavan, Minister Damien English, Seamus Concannon, Joyce Kelle, Finisher, Kaylie Mulvihill, Assistant, Mark Crehan, Baker. (Pic: Gerry Stronge)
